Less than a week on from the opening match, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ has reached yet another milestone as ticket sales crossed the 250,000 mark on Saturday.
The latest feather in the competition’s rich legacy follows the all-time tournament attendance record set during Thursday’s Group A tie between the hosts and the Islamic Republic of Iran, which now stands at almost 93,000 after 10 matches.
Set to cement its place as the best-ever edition to date, the curtain raiser between the Matildas and the Philippines had already set the tone for an unforgettable tournament, with a record 44,379 people thronging Perth Stadium to be part of the historic night.
Hailing the latest landmark moment, AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “As Asia’s premier women’s national team competition, we had full confidence that Australia 2026 would go down in history for the incredible passion and support shown by the fans.
“But to surpass a quarter of a million tickets sold in the very first week, on the eve of International Women’s Day no less, is truly special and embodies the palpable energy that defines this competition. I am certain that as we move closer to the knockout stage, we will witness many more such moments, and I wish everyone involved the very best of luck.”
Beyond the record-breaking figures, the 21st edition of the tournament has also been characterised by the fans who have brought colour, passion and personal stories to the stands, underlining the diversity that defines the grandest celebration of women’s football on the Continent.
With the Fan Zone offering multiple ways to keep supporters engaged before kick-off, seven-year-old Emma was furiously colouring the shoes on a poster of the tournament mascot, Naara, ahead of China PR’s clash against Uzbekistan at Western Sydney Stadium on Friday.
“I come to the stadium all the time to watch the Western Sydney Wanderers, but now I am excited to watch my first ever women’s football match,” she said while choosing colours to fill in the laces of Naara’s shoes. “While we waited to get to the stands, I also learnt how to conduct CPR at the medical booth, which was very interesting.”
Meanwhile, featuring 12 of Asia’s finest teams Down Under has also provided international students with an opportunity to have a taste of home.
“We are students staying away from home, so we could not miss the opportunity to watch China PR play so close to where we are,” said Jae Chong, a student at the University of Newcastle, who was attending Friday’s Group B clash. “We really hope the Steel Roses can reach the final so that all our friends can come to support them.”
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